Oh, Target.
I am drawn to you like a moth to a flame and yet I so often find myself “zapped” when I get to the check-out line and see how much I managed to spend.
So, when I saw that you had some 4th of July themed packages of tissue paper in your $1 bins I rejoiced and may or may not have done a little jig right then and there.
My kids love it when I do that in public!
Of course, as usual, I had absolutely no idea what I was going to do with this awesome deal.
Enter Pinterest.
God bless it…oh, and the U.S.A. too of course! 
The first thing I found was this idea from the Under the Sycamore for Tissue Paper Firecrackers.
This would be a very easy project for kids to do.
Or a 36 year old woman who has the crafting skills of a kid.
All you need is the tissue paper of your choice, wooden dowels and tape.
Now, stay with me. This is going to get a little tricky!
Cut the tissue paper into strips.
Gather the ends together and tape them to the dowel.
Whew! I hope you all can handle the complexities of this craft.
And, if you are really feeling fancy, just go on ahead and cover up the tape by
wrapping an extra piece of tissue around it.
And there you have it!
My kiddos loved these and my daughter said they actually sound like firecrackers when you wave them around really fast. These are perfect for her because she is still a bit scared of the “real deal”.
Which means she will be waving these around in the house to her heart’s content while her daddy and brother tap into their inner “pyro” outside.
Now, there was still quite a bit of tissue paper left.
And, what would a craft post be without a wreath, right?
I spotted one similar to this on the Family Fun Site but realized I would have to make some modifications in order to use the tissue paper.
Here is all you will need for this project.
I used tissue paper but card stock would have totally worked better also suffice.
Since I didn’t use card stock I had to reinforce the tissue paper using good old printer paper.
I just felt so very “crafty” coming up with my own solution!
I might have also been kicking myself for not making it to the craft store to buy card stock.
I cut out a circle from a cereal box and as each piece of paper was rolled into a “cone” shape, I attached them to the center of the circle, slightly overlapping as I went.
The original wreath showed a silver star in the middle made out of aluminum foil.
I attempted one but it ended up looking like something my daughter brought home
from Sunday School last Christmas.
So, I went with a red star instead and feel like it looks just slightly more patriotic!
Of course, there was STILL more tissue paper left and I was determined to make the most of it so I decided to make a Tissue Paper Ball.
Only problem was that I didn’t have one of those round foam balls on hand.
So, I did what any self-respecting non-crafter would do.
I went out to the garage and dug around in the bin of old toys and sports stuff until I found the saddest looking small soccer ball I could find and decided it was ready to start a new life as a topiary!
If soccer balls could feel shame, this one would be hanging it’s head.
From gliding over the green blades of grass to being dolled up with tissue paper.
Oh, the humanity!
But the fall from grace was short because pretty soon this soccer ball was perking up as it had those little scraps of wadded up tissue paper hot glued on one by one.
And now it stands proudly as a Tissue Paper Ball Topiary!
I finally decided to give the tissue paper a rest and my final craft only involved a package of small flags ($2) and inexpensive glass hurricanes which I already had on hand.
I found this project at Sweet Something Designs and it couldn’t possibly be easier.
I removed the flag from the stick and using mod podge, attached it to the hurricane.
The only tricky part is, as much as possible, trying to avoid getting the mod podge on the glass.
I found, though, that once it had dried it was easy to clean off the glass using a scrubby sponge.
So, there you have it!
$2 for two packs of tissue paper
$2 for a package of flags
Everything else from around my home
I am getting so excited for the 4th of July!
How about you? How are you preparing to celebrate Independence Day?
I’m so glad you took the time to stop by and visit us at the Fence today!
This post is sponsored by:
where you can find this darling Vintage Fabric Beach Pillow
Partying here:
Uncommon Designs: Uncommonly Yours Link Party
Imparting Grace: Grace at Home
Common Ground: Vintage Inspiration Friday
French Country Cottage: Feathered Nest Friday
Redoux: Friday’s Redone
2805: Potpourri Friday
Stuff and Nonsense: Friday’s Unfolded
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia: Tuesday’s Treasures
You’re Talking Too Much: Meet Me Monday
You did a wonderful decorating job on a budget!
Y’all are so smart. Love that ball topiary. Clever clever.
Great craft ideas, Vanessa! I’ll bet the kids love all these!
Great stuff. I love the paper in the tinn flower bucket. Just great.
How fun and cute is this. Love the pinwheel. Hugs, Marty
so cute! I love all the fun crafts. My niece would LOVE the firecrackers.
Vanessa these ideas are super creative and super cute! I love them all!!
Those are some of the cutest ideas! They would really be great if you’re having a 4th of July party out on your back porch. Cute table centerpieces could be made and wall or door decorations. Love those! Thanks for sharing. I can’t believe that July 4th is almost here!
Oh my gosh aren’t you the craft queen? Love them all!
Hey ladies – those tissue paper firecrackers are the cutest. Perfect for a small town parade! Each year we go to the tiny town of Christmas Valley in Oregon for their “big-city-like” fireworks show. Have you ever been Vanessa?
Not sure what I love the most … the super creative crafts … the fact that you gave that sad soccer ball a new purpose in life and reason to hold his little head high … the fact that you escaped Target with only shelling out $4 and change …
Oh, I know what I love the most. The post. As in the writing. Such a great voice and such a joy to read each and every word …
🙂
Linda
These are fabulous!!!! hmmm…maybe I should start some crafting 🙂
XO
Kristin
Such fun and inexpensive ideas! Thanks for sharing! ~Tammy
Thanks for sharing these fun ideas! I saw that anchor tissue paper at Target & couldn’t think of anything to do with it. Looks like I need another trip to Target now! lol
What wonderful creative projects!…Love the price too!….Now, that soccer ball topiary it the greatest!…It truly makes me smile!!
Happy 4th!!
Thanks a lot! I was NOT going to craft today but do some much needed chores that needed to be done…then you come along with those darling decorations that I MUST NEED to do today! Lol…love them!
oh, my gosh, i have about 10 “dead” soccer balls in my yard/garage… I see a topiary in my future!!
Loved meeting and hanging with you girls at Haven — xo Heidi
Hey, that’s a whole lotta bang for your buck! (Firework pun intended! Yes. I am a huge goober!)
I love all of the craft ideas! You ladies are so clever!
It was so great to meet you both at Haven! You are both sweet, fun, and funny!! 🙂
xo-Lisa
You’re a Rock Star! I think these are so cute — that soccer ball topiary is the best!! I too have to put on blinders when I go to Target — that Dollar Spot was the best marketing tool they ever came up with — gets me every time!
I’m pretty sure I have some red and white tissue paper around here and Canada Day comes on the first of July. Thanks for the ideas and I’m pinning this. ~ maureen
Terrific patriotic crafts! I’ve miss you gals and I have finally returned from an extended blog break. I pan to have Potpourri Friday this week and hope you will be there!
What a great post! I just love these ideas 🙂
You did a great job, as always! Thank you for always sharing your ideas and I am so blessed to know you thru this blog.
Oh my you never cease to AMAZE me with your creativity! It was such a honor to have met you and Heather at Haven! I wish we could have talked more, but hopefully next year. Wonderful ideas and I’m looking forward to the 4th as well. Might have to use some f your ideas.
Love this project! Have you linked it up with me yet at Wow Us Wednesday?
Such great ideas. And just to be sure I got it … I cut the tissue paper into strips and THEN tape to the dowel? 😉
FABULOUS ladies 🙂 Cute and affordable! Woot!!!
How brilliant! So simple but so festive. I hope you’ll add this to my Patriotic Project Parade. I would love to see them there.
http://www.itsybitsypaperblog.com/2012/06/patriotic-project-parade-linky-party.html
Thanks for sharing your creativity at Potpourri Friday!
Well, I’m heading out to Target tomorrow. These are darling ideas.
Love the topiary!! Is that Wilson I recognize under all that tissue paper?!
I always break out my moves in public – while my kids run away in horror! But what’s a mom for if not to embarrass her kids in public.
Kelly
These all look fabulous! We will be featuring these today on our Patriotic Round-Up!
Take care,
Trish
These are cute, about my speed ( not too crafty, plus would want something easy for the grandkids ) but best of all you are funny….poor soccer ball, ha ha
Talk about “repurposing ” 🙂
Love this idea. I’ve featured it on my blog with other patriotic ideas here: http://controllingcraziness.blogspot.com/2012/06/inspiration-for-weekend-25-4th-of-july.html
How clever you are, Vanessa! Thanks for sharing these inexpensive ideas!
So fun….I’m just proud to know ya! 😉
Seen this at lines across my face, they’re fab.
I love this so much, I’ve featured you here http://diycraftyprojects.com/2012/06/50-happy-4th-of-july-craft-ideas-diycraftyprojects-com.html . Please stop by when you get a chance & grab a “I’ve been featured” button from the side bar. You can put it in this post, side bar or both. Thanks so much 🙂
What fun crafts to make for July 4th. and maybe even Memorial Day. Love projects that are fun, cute, inexpensive to make. Had to save them so I can print when I get some more ink cartridges. Those darn things run out way too quickly. Never can understand how in heck ink can be so blasted expensive, they’ve got us by the short hairs. Sure glad I found your post. Great blog.
Wow, I loved the way you used those papers. I think the anchors one is a great detail.
Have a great 4th of July, girls 🙂